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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe on Character

1749–1832 Germany

← All quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

10 quotes

The man of action is always unprincipled; none but the contemplative has a conscience.

The clearest indication of character is what people find laughable.

Maxims and Reflections (1833)

Character in important and less important matters is that a man should steadily pursue whatever course he feels to be within his capacity.

Maxims and Reflections (1833)

Talent is nurtured in solitude; character is formed in the stormy billows of the world.

He who does not stretch himself according to the coverlet finds his feet uncovered.

I can promise to be upright, but not to be without bias.

The person engaged in action is always unconscionable; no one except the contemplative has a conscience.

Maxims and Reflections (1833)

Two souls, alas! reside within my breast, and each withdraws from and repels its brother.

But what is your duty? What the day demands.

What a mighty spirit in a narrow bosom.

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.